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Got a rash? Nickel in tech devices may be cause

Recent medical reports detail that you can get rashes from nickel while using your cell phone, laptop, or tablet against your skin. Like in the case of an 11-year-old boy recently treated for a nickel rash from using his Ipad. (July 14)
AP

Some personal electronic devices including Apple's iPad are being linked to skin rashes likely caused by an allergic reaction to nickel.

A report in Pediatrics details an increase in allergic contact dermatitis, a type of skin irritation, among kids. One of the most common sources is contact with nickel, which is sometimes found in laptops and cell phones.

The Pediatrics report details the case of an 11-year-old treated for allergic contact dermatitis. After doctors learned the boy had been using a first-generation iPad, they found it tested positive for nickel and advised him to use a case to limit exposure. The boy's rash "significantly improved," read the Pediatrics report.

"With the increasing prevalence of nickel allergy in the pediatric population, it is important for clinicians to continue to consider metallic-appearing electronics and personal effects as potential sources of nickel exposure," reads an excerpt of the report co-written by Dr. Sharon Jacob and Dr. Shehla Admani, dermatologists with Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

According to Mayo Clinic, contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that is neither contagious nor life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable.

In February, fitness band maker Fitbit recalled its Force device after used complained of skin irritations. Fitbit said investigations involving medical experts determined a portion of its users were suffering from allergic contact dermatitis that may have been linked to nickel used in the band. Fitbit CEO and co-founder James Park said 1.7% of its users reported rashes.

In 2010, during a presentation at American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix, doctors discussed the rise of "cellphone rash," caused by prolonged contact with nickel used in cellphones.